Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

While this dessert can be a little tricky to eat without making a complete mess, it rivals any decadent layer cake out there. We believe the crunchy layers of puff pastry and cool vanilla custard are well worth any minor cleanup that might ensue. It’s the complete package.

The dessert is airy, creamy, and just sweet enough, all sandwiched with that satisfying, snappy bite of puff pastry. An extra dusting of powdered sugar doesn’t hurt matters either.

It’s based on a pastry that’s popular throughout Central and Eastern Europe called ‘kremsnite.’ Well, it goes by many names (kremsnita, cremeschnitte…), but most of them mean ‘cream slice.’ We’re sure they’re all delicious. Our version is almost no-bake and involves a quick vanilla custard topped with an airy layer of whipped cream.

The component that makes these slices unique is the puff pastry. You bake two sheets of puff pastry for just ten minutes and let them cool while you work on the fillings. One sheet lines the bottom of the pan and is then layered with the vanilla custard and whipped cream.

You cut the other sheet into squares before laying them on top – this makes serving MUCH easier – and dust the whole thing with powdered sugar. It goes into the fridge to chill for a few hours, but for such a pretty pastry, it really is simple!

A note on the rum: we find it cuts through any lingering egginess in the custard, but it’s absolutely optional, so feel free to leave it out if you prefer.

Please continue to Next Page (>) for the full list of ingredients and complete cooking instructions.

Enjoy this meal.

Here’s a recipe for Vanilla Custard Cream Squares:

Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

Ingredients:

For the Puff Pastry:

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed if frozen

For the Vanilla Custard:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional:

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Rum (optional, for flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven according to the puff pastry package instructions.
2. Bake Puff Pastry:
   • Roll out the puff pastry sheets slightly on a floured surface. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake according to package instructions or until golden brown. Let them cool.
3. Prepare Vanilla Custard:
   • In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it simmers but does not boil.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until well combined.
   • Slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Gradually add the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk, whisking continuously.
   • Cook the custard mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter until smooth. Let it cool.
4. Prepare Whipped Cream:
   • In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
5. Assemble:
   • Place one sheet of baked puff pastry in the bottom of a square baking dish.
   • Pour the cooled vanilla custard over the first layer of puff pastry.
   • Spread the whipped cream evenly over the custard layer.
   • Top with the second sheet of baked puff pastry.
   • Optionally, dust the top with powdered sugar for decoration.
6. Chill:
   • Refrigerate the assembled vanilla custard cream squares for at least 2-3 hours to allow it to set.
7. Serve:
   • Once chilled, cut the dessert into squares and serve. Optionally, sprinkle a bit more powdered sugar on top before serving.
8. Optional Rum Flavor:
   • If desired, you can add a splash of rum to the custard for extra flavor.

Enjoy these delightful Vanilla Custard Cream Squares!